A trip to the dentist’s office shouldn’t scare you. On the contrary, you’re taking charge of your health, which should ideally make you feel empowered. After your appointment, you’ll have a bright smile and the improved self-confidence that goes along with it. Still, a bit of nervousness is understandable. There are a few common procedures at dental offices that can be confusing for patients — one of which is why you have to wear the big green sunglasses in the chair.
Over the years, dentists have developed new ways to make patients more comfortable as well as keeping them safe. One of the smartest decisions is the usage of protective eyewear. The glare of this bulb is intentionally bright so that the dentist can see into the deepest recesses of your mouth. You may think that dentists ask you to wear glasses to shield you from the overhead light, and while that’s certainly part of it, it’s not the whole picture.
Your dentist also understands that fluids fly out of your mouth and into the air. Whether you’re getting a cleaning or something more serious, the contact of a dental tool with your teeth and gums regularly causes a splash, and you don’t want any of those fluids getting in your eyes. Similarly, you don’t want to be on the receiving end of a sneeze or cough from a dental employee. Since you’re in a sitting position, your dentist or hygienist is always above you. If they sneeze or cough unexpectedly, their fluids are likely to hit you in the face, which makes the protective eyewear and masks a good idea. While fluids aren’t as likely to strike dental workers in the eyes, it’s still an issue. These employees often bend over to work inside your mouth. They need the same protection you do, hence eyewear or a face shield protects them in the same way.
Also, blood is an unfortunate reality in some dental procedures. Patients who haven’t taken care of their teeth or gums often experience bleeding issues. That blood sometimes splatters, which can become a risk of contracting blood-borne illnesses. They don’t want your germs any more than you want theirs, so the protective gear safeguards them against blood and other fluids as much as you.
Dentists always have a reason for their procedures. If you have severe anxiety about going to your dentist, let them know, and ask if they can explain the process before they start. Knowing what’s going on will help calm your nerves, and you can pretend you’re on the beach in those big sunglasses.